Ex-Pres Saakashvili: Ivanishvili plans to sell presidential palace, ‘most likely to himself’

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has claimed that former Prime Minister and ruling Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili intends to sell the Tbilisi Presidential Palace, “most likely to himself,” and could alter its function and architecture.

Posting on social media on Monday, Saakashvili described the alleged plan as an attack on both the state and its symbols of sovereignty.

“Alongside the destruction of the state, the arch-enemy of the Georgian people is also dismantling symbols of statehood. This palace represents one of the hallmarks of Georgia’s state-building during the nine-year golden era,” he wrote.

He warned that the palace’s sale could be part of a broader effort to erase public memory of Georgia’s recent successes. “If they get the chance, they may even replace the flag, the coat of arms, and the national anthem,” Saakashvili added.